Ls400 Bonnet Struts

[Rodt]

I am absolutely sure that I've seen a 'how to' guide on replacing weak bonnet struts on here but I can't find it now.

I have the replacement struts but not a clue as to how to start the work as it's a big lump of metal to deal with.

The MoT tester was warned but still ended up wriggling on top of the engine. Oops!

[cruisermark]

hi

its ideally a 2 man job although i have done myself in the past

if the struts are original then the ball will not seperate from the cup (strut) which means you have to remove the struts by undoing the nuts/ball joints which are screwed into the car body.

you then use the new ball joints which should come with the new struts.

on the new struts you will most likely see a metal band which goes around the outside of the cup - you will need to insert a flat screwdriver into the back and pull the band slightly - then pop the strut onto the ball and then remove the screw driver making sure the band springs back home

hope this makes sense

have a look here also

[mikeyv]

Deleted post as youtube video I linked to isn't much help, think it's been changed maybe.

Sorry.

[Cotswold Pete]

When I did mine, I needed a 13mm spanner one end and a 14mm spanner the other. You can do it on your own, I used a broom handle to keep the bonnet up and open but it would be safer with two people as one can hold the bonnet for the other.

I used a bit of 2 by 2 to hold the hood up while doing mine.

Took about 15 minutes to do, but cannot remember details though do recall using just a couple of spanners.

My new struts did come with simple instructions which all made sense, but threw them out once job done.

[39buss]

On the MK 3 LS I had I fitted GS300 bonnet struts, very slight difference in length but ok.